Method and system for distributing subscriber services using wireless bidirectional broadband loops

ABSTRACT

A method and system for distributing subscriber services to a number of user locations in a broadband cellular network. A bidirectional antenna array located at a number of cell centers provides coverage over a wide service area by using wireless distribution loops. The cell centers broadcast subscriber services over designated channels and a user at the subscriber site location commands a centralized mechanism to switch to the channel broadcasting the requested service. The duplication of service channels is minimized and the number of subscribers is maximized by allowing channel selection to occur at various points in the distribution network. Each antenna in the array is configured to provide the subscriber service to a particular service segment. These segments include subscriber location sites with processing equipment to request and receive the services in the form of information programs, data, signaling, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention relates to the distribution of subscriber program material, and more particularly to distribution of television program material using wireless broadband loops and a bidirectional antenna array.

Conventionally, the use of wireless communication is restricted to cellular telephone systems for voice and limited data service. Recently, however, wireless communication services are being used for unswitched "broadcast" television distribution. These systems use a cellular structure with each cell transmitting in the direction of potential subscribers. Two of these systems include an early analog approach, referenced in "The M³ Saxmundham Demonstrator-Multichannel TV Distribution by mm-Waves," M. Pilgrim, R. P. I. Scott, R. D. Carver, and B. J. Ellis, British Telecom Tech., J. Vol. 7 No. 1, Jan. 1989, and a digital broadcast approach, Application of Hye Crest Management, Inc. before the FCC, File No. 10380-CF-P-88, released Jan. 18, 1991, the latter being designed to take advantage of highly compressed digital video/audio codecs.

These approaches as well as other more recent developments in television and data signal broadcasting, allow subscribers to select information programs from a set of broadcast program materials. Once selected, a data stream of program material is received by the subscriber in a continuous downstream feed. Video on demand and pay-per-view systems for example, permit users to select a broadcast channel transmitting a movie or other program material for viewing. The channel is selected at the viewer's home, and the program is received at a designated, scheduled time. Conventionally, the downstream data flow is controlled by the distribution source, and the subscriber has little or no input as how the data stream is received. In other words, while the subscriber can request the program material or movie, he cannot start or stop the stream once it has begun. In addition, the subscriber cannot affect the downloading speed or sequence of the downloaded signal. Further, because conventional transmission facilities continually broadcast the material on a given channel, scrambling or blocking techniques are often required to prohibit unauthorized access of the material.

Conventional broadcast systems of this type also do not offer an upstream signaling capability that allow the user to transmit data via the network. If available, this upstream signaling capability could permit subscribers to utilize the high bandwidth transmission rates of a centralized control center for their own personal broadcast. Services, such as desktop video conferencing and home data transmission uplink, could be initiated from the subscriber's location and transmitted using a two-way communication center.

There is therefore a need for an economical approach for distributing a wide range of subscriber services to customers without access to conventional broadband wireline distribution systems. The solution should provide a low-powered, high bandwidth switched service system with the ability to provide the services to a large number of subscribers. The system should give subscribers both upstream and downstream signaling capabilities with control over the downstream program signal once it is requested. Preferably, the solution should also allow subscribers to use the capabilities of the two-way broadcasting center via upstream signaling. Finally, the solution should effectively deny unauthorized access to source material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems and methods consistent with the present invention permit distribution of subscriber services such as voice, video, and data by using millimeter wireless loops. Systems and methods of the present invention distribute the subscriber services from a cell center to a number of subscriber units. The cell center includes a switch mechanism that changes to a particular channel at the request of the subscriber. The requested service is then downloaded to the subscriber and processed. The cell center also includes a bidirectional antenna array specifically configured to provide coverage for a large number of subscribers. The antenna array includes a number of antenna units with alternate horizontal and vertical transmission modes. Each bidirectional antenna transmits downstream services and receives the upstream signaling requests from the subscriber units.

Specifically, the invention provides a communications system having a headend source of stored information signals coupled to a wideband wireless loop network. The network comprises: a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a subscriber service area including communication device configured to communicate with subscriber units within a designated subscriber service area; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a segment of the subscriber service area and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antenna corresponding to adjacent segments of the service area operate in different transmission modes; and a plurality of subscriber units, each unit including a receiver configured to receive a downstream information signal from an antenna, and a transmitter configured to transmit an upstream signal request to an antenna.

In another aspect the invention provides a method for providing subscriber services to a number of subscribers in a wideband wireless loop network having a headend source of stored or transported information signals coupled to a wideband wireless loop network, the network including a plurality of cell centers each providing service a number of service to area segments. The method comprising the steps of: initiating an upstream signal request at a subscriber unit located within a service area segment; sending a polling message to subscriber units in the service area segment from a cell center to determine the presence of the upstream information request, wherein the cell center services the service area segment containing the requesting subscriber unit; transmitting, to the cell center, the upstream signal request upon the receipt of the polling message; switching, upon receipt of the upstream signal request, a selection device to a subscriber service channel, wherein the subscriber service channel broadcasts a subscriber service; transmitting the subscriber service, via the selected subscriber service channel, to the requesting subscriber unit in a downstream information signal; and receiving the downstream information signal at the requesting subscriber unit.

The summary and the following detailed description should not restrict the scope of the claimed invention. Both provide examples and explanations to enable others to practice the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate systems and methods consistent with this invention and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wideband services network configuration using wireless distribution loops consistent with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a segmented cell antenna array consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the components of a cell center consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the components of subscriber unit consistent with the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a geographically segmented layout configuration and coverage area for the wireless cellular loops consistent with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of implementations of this invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Where appropriate, the same reference numbers in different drawings refer to the same or similar elements.

Systems and methods of the present invention distribute source information, i.e., video, voice, data, information signals using millimeter wavelength, wireless loops set up between a cell center (CC) and various subscriber locations. Each video program or data source is generated in individual packets and multiplexed to form the downstream transport stream. For video sources, for example, an Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) compatible transport stream of 900 Mb/s (two 450 Mb/s channels) is used to download video program data to the subscriber.

The transport stream includes a series of packets each containing data, header, and address information. This approach allows the transport stream to be further divided into a set of time division multiplex (TDM) channels, with one group of TDM channels allocated for high band-width video source signals (4 Mb/s) and another group allocated for lower bandwidth signaling sources (64 Kb/s). Subscriber equipment is configured to capture the source data containing an appropriate address, interpret the header information, and decode the packet data for audio presentation and video display. Further, the addressing and packetization of the data stream allows only that data within a particular time slot to be received by a subscriber, thereby denying access to unauthorized subscribers. Preferably, similar approaches are used for other source data such as signaling, data, digitized phone, fax, video conferencing, etc.

The number of subscribers served by one such downstream transport signal depends upon several factors including, but not limited to, the transmitted data rate, the bit rate per audio/video program channel, the number of subscribers per unit area, the horizontal polar diagram of the antenna transmitting horn, the power of the transmitter coupled to antenna vertical gain, the modulation approach, and the path loss of the antenna that includes a safety factor for atmospheric attenuation. For example, if the transmitted bit rate were 900 Mb/s, the bit rate per channel were 4 Mb/s, and the average subscriber required two simultaneous entertainment channels, approximately 100 subscribers could be supported by one signal transmission. If, however, half the channels were in the broadcast mode, i.e., not switched services, then 50 subscribers could be supported with switched services, and an unlimited number of subscribers could be supported with broadcast services.

In the upstream direction, subscribers preferably share a 50 Mb/s channel and signaling is accomplished using a polling approach or by transmitting an upstream message in assigned Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) timeslots. With the polling approach, the transmitter at the subscriber site initiates a request for a service. Preferably, the subscriber equipment places the initiated request in an output transmitter buffer that is accessible by CC 200. CC 200 polls all the subscribers sites in a given service segment and retrieves the service request stored in the buffer and subsequently processes the service request. Alternatively, one or more TDMA timeslots are assigned to each subscriber, which allows the upstream message to be sent when the assigned timeslot occurs. Upon processing the request, CC switches to an appropriate service channel and the data is downloaded to the subscriber site.

The upstream signal could be an information request signal, requesting a downstream feed of an entertainment program, or a signal requesting a wider-bandwidth upstream channel for transmitting data such as voice and video signals to the CC. Data and voice signals are transmitted upstream at lower bandwidth than the downstream service signal and the actual transmission rate depends upon the type of service transmitted. Preferably, upstream signaling operates over a fraction of a 50 MHz upstream bandwidth, i.e., 1 MHz.

A. System Equipment

FIG. 1 is a wideband configuration for a distribution network 100 using wireless broadcast loops consistent with the present invention. Distribution network 100 includes headend source 110 connected to a central office 120 via trunk 115. Wideband communication trunk 125 connects central office 120 to a CC 200 and also connects CO 200 to other CCs such as CC 204. CC 200 is also coupled to other CCs such as CC 202 via trunk 127. Distribution network 100 also includes subscriber units 300 each coupled to CC 200 and receiving requested source material via wireless distribution loops 140.

It is assumed that all source material is digitized, compressed, and multiplexed before entering network 100. Preferably, digital video/audio NTSC television material entering network 100 is compressed to about 4Mbs³ in accordance with Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) international standard, MPEG-2 for NTSC/PAL/SECAM formats. In addition, higher data rates can be included for High Definition TV (HDTV) or lower rates may be considered for less demanding services (i. e., video conferencing, video phone). Headend device 110 receives source material such as telephone, data signal, information, audio/visual programs or other like information media from external locations such as long distance signal feed 10, local feed 20, satellite 35 and satellite signal receiver 30, broadcast receiving antenna 40, etc.

Communication trunk line 125 couples central office device 120 to CC 200, a distribution center for transmitting or broadcasting telephone, data, and information signals to subscriber units 300 via distribution loops 140. Subscriber units 300 have upstream signaling capabilities that permit each subscriber location to request source material from CC 200 and transmit upstream signal data to CC 200. When a source material request is received by CC 200, it switches to an appropriate channel and downloads the material to subscriber unit 300. Preferably, each subscriber unit 300 is assigned an address used by CC 200 to identify the source of the request. Once received, the requested material is decoded and displayed by equipment located at subscriber unit 300.

For switched services, such as audio/video material, the selection apparatus, or switch, for responding to a subscriber unit's 300 request is preferably located at CC 200. Alternatively, the selection device for other, less frequently accessed, services could be located in central office 120 or headend device 110. This alternative approach reduces the need for expensive bandwidth capabilities on trunk lines 115 and 125, while still giving subscribers access to a wide range of source material.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an antenna array assembly 205 located at CC 200. FIG. 2 shows a configuration employing eight bidirectional antennas with each antenna connected to an individual transmitter and receiver (not shown). Preferably, the antenna array configuration permits service to a large area of subscriber sites by segmenting the service area in accordance with the coverage capabilities of each antenna assembly. The frequency pair used in each antenna is the same, but adjacent antennas operate in opposite transmission modes to avoid interference with their neighboring antennas. Antenna array 205 shows a collection of four vertical and four horizontal polarization antenna segments, alternating between vertical and horizontal polarization signal transmission modes. Alternatively, right and left circular polarization could be used. Preferably, the subtended angle of each antenna segment is selected to accommodate the maximum number of subscriber sites that can be served by a single transmitter site. For example, in the present embodiment, the eight segment antenna array allows for a subtended transmission angle of 45 degrees.

B. Antenna Components

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the components associated with each antenna segment in antenna array 205 of FIG. 2. The components of CC 200 are basically divided in two categories, base equipment 210 and antenna assembly 235. In addition, each segment includes frequency multiplier 265 that also supplies all relevant frequencies to the other seven segments in the array. Coaxial cables 203 are used to connect base equipment 210 located at the base of the antenna mast up to antenna assembly 235. Alternatively, waveguides are used to link the two sections if millimeter wave modulators are used at the base.

Base equipment 210 includes a master frequency source 215, a receiver (RX) demodulator and demultiplexer 220, and a modulator 225 driven by two time division multiplexed (TDM) source signals via multiplexer 230. Preferably, multiplexer 230 is driven by a multiplexed 200 channel video source (i.e., 4 Mb/s each), and m number of 64 Kb/s channels. Multiplexer 230 outputs two 450 Mb/s data streams and, in turn, feeds these two streams to modulator 225. In this example, modulator 225 is a quadrature phase-shift key (QPSK) modulator; however, the present invention envisions using any type of modulation scheme such as CAP, DPCM, or 8PSK.

Antenna assembly 235 includes multiples of a nine inch horn 240, a duplexer 245, a front end receiving (RX) unit 250, a transmitter frequency changer (F/C) 255, and a transmitter (TX) driver device 260. Master frequency source 215 is coupled via frequency multipliers 265 to F/Cs in all the other antennas in antenna array assembly 205. Master frequency source 215 is the origin of all frequencies required to operate the system including the carrier and local oscillator frequency sources. Again, the present invention contemplates using any number of modulation approaches including QPSK, 8PSK, or MSK, etc. In the example shown, QPSK is selected for the downstream traffic with a total multiplexed rate of 0.9Gb/s and an operating bandwidth of about 500 MHz.

Duplexer 245 separates the upstream from the downstream carrier signals. This separation permits the unit to function both as a downstream transmitter and an upstream signal receiver. In the present preferred embodiment, downstream signaling is the signal or data transmission from CC 200 to subscriber unit 300, while upstream signaling is the data transmission from subscriber unit 300 to CC 200. Upon receiving the upstream signal, RX front end unit 250 converts the 30 GHz carrier signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) (i.e., 3 GHz) for transmission to base equipment 210. Downstream signals are sent on the IFs from base equipment 210 to F/C 255 and TX driver 260 which amplifies the signal and forwards it for transmission to duplexer 245 and on to antenna horn 240.

C. Subscriber Unit

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the components of subscriber unit 300 residing at a subscriber site location consistent with the present invention. Subscriber unit 300 includes a wireless network unit (WNU) 305 that is coupled to a roof-top assembly 345 via coaxial cable 303.

WNU 305 includes a receiver (RX) demodulator and demultiplexer 310, one or more audio/video decoders 315 (depending on the number of television sets serviced), demultiplexer 320, a modulator 325, a signal multiplexer 330, and a master frequency source 335. WNU 305 receives upstream source input requests from and delivers downstream source material to customer premises equipment (CPE) 400. In this example, CPE 400 includes the components needed by the subscriber to utilize the requested source material. This equipment may include, but is not limited to, electronic devices such as televisions, computer monitors, telephones, facsimile machines, audio receivers, etc.

RX demodulator and demultiplexer 310 identifies and selects particular time slots or packets from the downloaded transport stream. The identified slots or packets are separated by RX demodulator and demultiplexer 310 into two output signals, one for audio/visual channels and the other for a set of multiplexed data channels. The 64 Kb/s data channels are further demultiplexed by demux 320, using identifiers contained in the packet's header information. The demuxed 64 Kb/s channels are forwarded to CPE 400 for processing by the appropriate CPE 400 component (i. e., telephone, data, fax, narrow band audio/video conferencing, and signaling). RX demodulator and demultiplexer 310 also communicates standard command signals to modulator 325. Decoders 315 provide audio/video analog channels (i. e., NTIA television) for connection to the associated CPE 400 equipment, namely television tuner/receiver units. Preferably, if the subscriber site has two television sets, WNU 305 would contain at least two audio/video decoders, which, in turn, may be MPEG-2 compatible.

For upstream signaling, CPE 400 upstream data (i.e., signaling, telephone, fax, data, narrow-band video conferencing, etc.) is preferably generated in identifiable packets with appropriate header and addressing information. These packets are multiplexed in mux 330 and held in a buffer (not shown) until processed by modulator 325. As described above, the modulator 325 is periodically activated, or polled, by control signals from CC 200 and the buffer holds the upstream data packets until the information is requested by CC 200. Alternatively, the subscriber is assigned a TDMA timeslot and the information packet is retrieved from the subscriber when the assigned timeslot is reached in the data stream. Upon the receipt of the control signals from CC 200, modulator 325 empties the buffer and forwards the packet or packets to a rooftop assembly. Modulator 325 is preferably a QPSK modulator to match modulator 225 in base equipment 210. Alternatively, if the polling approach is not used, the packets are held until the TDMA timeslot assigned the particular subscriber, or CPE 400, is received.

The rooftop assembly includes a module 345 coupled to a small antenna 343 (ie., 1-foot diameter reflector). Module 345 includes a receiver (RX) front end 350, frequency converter (F/C) unit 355, a transmitter (TX) driver 360, a duplexer 365, and a frequency multiplier 375. Together, F/C unit 355, TX driver 360, and duplexer 365 operate as an upstream signal transmitter that has an IF and local oscillator input. Preferably, the local oscillator input is derived from the downstream carrier signal generated by master frequency source 335 contained in WNU 305. RX front end 350 is coupled to WNU 305 via an IF frequency output that is output through coaxial connection 303. Preferably, DC power is provided to rooftop assembly 345 through two of the three conductors in coaxial connection 303.

Components in the subscriber site rooftop assembly 345 operate in the same manner as those of CC 200's antenna assembly 235.

D. Signal Transmission

Systems and methods consistent with the present invention permit information and signal communication over a wide coverage area. The directional antenna array described in the context of FIGS. 2 and 3 permits broadcast of downstream information program material to a plurality of home-based subscriber units upon the request of an upstream signal request. The directional antenna array and the segmentation of the service areas permits a large number of subscriber sites to be serviced by each CC. In addition, upstream signals may be transmitted from the subscriber unit and distributed with the two-way transmitter/receiver residing in the CC.

The following summarizes the steps performed to complete an information request and download a video/audio information program. First, a user selects a television channel using a key pad or other selection device. Next, this selection is combined with a packet identifier that includes header and address data, together which identify the type of CPE and particular subscriber requesting the information program. The packet is held in a buffer location of mux 330 until requested by CC 200. CC 200 periodically polls the subscriber sites in its particular service segment by sending command signals to modulator 325. These command signals, in turn, instruct modulator 325 to obtain the packet from the buffer and process it for transmission to CC 200 via the rooftop assembly 345 and antenna horn 343.

Upon receipt of the service request packet, CC 200 processes the signal and switches to the channel broadcasting the requested information program. Preferably, the selected program has previously been assigned to a broadcast channel, and therefore once the switching process occurs, the program information signal is downloaded to the subscriber site by the transport stream previously described. The switching apparatus is preferably located at CC 200; however, in the alternative, it may be located at central office 120 or headend device 110. This feature reduces the bandwidth requirement on trunk lines 115 and 125. In addition, switched broadcast channels allow for the transport of an unlimited number of programs from headend 110 to CPE 400. Further, conventional CATV distribution systems are limited because the switching functions reside at the CPE and therefore each channel must be sent to all the subscribers within the system. The present preferred embodiment eliminates this limitation by placing the channel switching mechanism throughout distribution network 100 including at headend 110, central office 120, and CC 200.

FIG. 5 is a geographically segmented layout configuration and coverage area for the wireless cellular loops consistent with the present invention. FIG. 5, in conjunction with the following example, demonstrates that by creating and analyzing a model meeting the predicted service needs of subscribers, the approach of the present invention can provide adequate service. One modeling approach is based upon the coverage provided by remote line units (RLU) of a telephone network and apply the data to a cellular architecture system.

A RLU provides service for up to 750 homes. The maximum local loop length is in the range of 2000 ft to 5000 ft (670 m to 1700 m). Therefore, the area covered by any particular RLU is in the range of 1.4×10⁶ to 9.1×10⁶ m. This means that the density of homes lies in the region of 121/km² to 536/km² and thus, each home can be allocated an area from 1,900 to 12,000 m² (i.e., between 130 ft² and 330 ft²).

It should be noted that the following assumptions were made regarding the values of certain network parameters. These assumptions include:

1. Maximum path distance=870 meters.

2. Transmitted carrier=30 GHz.

3. QPSK Modulation.

4. Transmitted bit rate=900 Mb/s (2×450 Mb/s).

5. RF Bandwidth=0.5 GHz.

6. Compressed digital video/audio=4Mb/s (MPEG-2).

7. Number of switched digital channels=200 (allowing for overheads and voice/data).

8. Half the subscribers use the switched channels.

9. Average number of video/audio channels per home=2.

Based upon the housing density, the total number of switched video/audio channels required is:

    π×750.sup.2×2/ (12,000 or 1900)m.sup.2 =from 300 to 1900 channels                                                  (1)

Therefore, the needed number of segments is from 300/200=2 to 1,930/200=10 or between 180 degrees and 36 degrees per segment.

With a segmentation of 45 degrees and a maximum free-space distance of 0.9 Km, the area of one segment is:

    π×800.sup.2 /8=2.5×10.sup.5 m.sup.2         (2)

The number of subscriber sites served equals 100 and the area per subscriber site is 2.5×10⁵ /100=2500 m².

A line-of-sight path between a cell antenna and a subscriber site antenna is also essential to the above analysis. In addition, "shadow" areas may be covered by low-powered repeater sites appropriately distributed, or alternatively possibly making use of wire or fiber drops. It may prove necessary in some cases for an additional RF carrier frequency to be available when polarization protection is not feasible, for example, near the border between two segments. A transmission path analysis reveals the feasibility of the disclosed cellular approach and additional assumptions are made regarding the path components. The cell 45-degree antenna is assumed to have a vertical angle of 12 degrees and a gain of 21 dBi which can be expected from an economical horn design. The receiving antenna dish is assumed to be 1/3 meter in diameter with a gain of 36 dB with a 2.5 degree beam width. The receiver noise figure is assumed to be 6 dB, and a safety factor of 20 dB is assumed that includes rain attenuation. With these assumptions, the required transmitter power is below 400 mW. Tables 1-3 show the parameters used in the analysis.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Parameter Variables                                                            ______________________________________                                         Transmitter Carrier Frequency (F)                                                                      30.00   GHz                                            Transmitted Signal Bandwidth (BW)                                                                      0.50    GHz                                            Transmitter Antenna Beamwidth (TXANTBW)                                                                45.00   deg                                            Receiver Diameter (D)   0.33    meters                                         Path Length (PL)        0.90    Km                                             Carrier-To-Noise Ratio  15.00   DB                                             Rain Attenuation (RAT)  20.00   DB                                             Receiver Noise Figure (NF)                                                                             6.00    DB                                             Thermal Noise Power Density (No)                                                                       -204.00 DBW/Hz                                         ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         Computations and Results                                                       ______________________________________                                         Transmitter Antenna 1 Gain, Lower Cost (TAG)                                                            16.00   DB                                            Transmitter Antenna 2 Gain, Higher Cost                                                                 24.00   DB                                            Receiver Antenna Gain (RAG)                                                                             36.99   DB                                            3-DB Antenna Beamwidth   2.32    degrees                                       Receiver Noise           864.51  DEG K                                         Free Space Loss (FSL)    121.10  DB                                            Path Loss, Antenna Gains, & RAT (PTHL)                                                                  88.10   DB                                            Path Loss with Antenna 2 Gain                                                                           80.10   DB                                            Receiver Noise in Selected BW                                                                           -111.01 DBW                                           Received Signal Power    -96.01  DBW                                           Transmitter Power (TX. Antenna 1)                                                                       -7.91   DBW                                           Transmitter Power (TX. Antenna 2)                                                                       -15.91  DBW                                           ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                         Formulas                                                                       ______________________________________                                         Transmitter Antenna Gain                                                                      17.08 + 20 log(F) + 20 log(Antenna Dia.)                        Free Space Loss (DB)                                                                           96.6 + 20 log(F) + 20 log(PL/1.609)                            Receiver Antenna Gain (DB)                                                                    17.08 + 20 log(F) + 20 log(D)                                   Receiver Antenna Beamwidth                                                                    22.97/(FxD) Degrees                                             ______________________________________                                    

The specification does not limit the invention. Instead it provides examples and explanations to allow persons of ordinary skill to appreciate different ways to practice this invention. The following claims define the true scope and spirit of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A communications system having a headend source of stored information signals operatively coupled to a wideband wireless loop network, the network comprising:a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a subscriber service area including:a communication device configured to communicate with a plurality of subscriber units within a designated subscriber service area; each cell center coupled to a central office, and the central office including:a switch, responsive to an upstream signal request from a cell center, for coupling a subscriber services channel to the cell center; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a segment of the subscriber service area and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antennas corresponding to adjacent segments of the subscriber service area operate in different transmission modes; and the plurality of subscriber units each including:a receiver configured to receive a downstream information signal from an antenna; and a transmitter configured to transmit the upstream signal request to the antenna.
 2. A communications system having a headend source of stored information signals coupled to a wideband wireless loop network, the network comprising:a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a subscriber service area including:a communication device configured to communicate with a plurality of subscriber units within a designated subscriber service area; each cell center including:a selection device, responsive to an upstream signal request, configured to couple a subscriber services channel to an antenna servicing a requesting subscriber unit, wherein the subscriber services channel broadcasts an information program; and a transmitter, coupled to the selection device, configured to transmit the information program to the requesting subscriber unit in a downstream information signal, the downstream information signal divided into a series of data packets, and at least one data packet identified by a header section; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a segment of the subscriber service area and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antennas corresponding to adjacent segments of the subscriber service area operate in different transmission modes; and the plurality of subscriber units each including:a receiver configured to receive a downstream information signal from an antenna; and a transmitter configured to transmit the upstream signal request to the antenna.
 3. The communications system of claim 2, wherein the header information section includes:an address for identifying the subscriber unit to receive the downstream information signal.
 4. A communications system having a headend source of stored information signals coupled to a wideband wireless loop network, the network comprising:a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a subscriber service area including:a communication device configured to communicate with a plurality of subscriber units within a designated subscriber service area; each cell center including;a selection device, responsive to an upstream signal request, configured to couple a subscriber services channel to an antenna servicing a requesting subscriber unit, wherein the subscriber services channel broadcasts an information program; and a transmitter, coupled to the selection device, configured to transmit the information program to the requesting subscriber unit in a downstream information signal; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a segment of the subscriber service area and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antennas corresponding to adjacent segments of the subscriber service area operate in different transmission modes; and the plurality of subscriber units each including:a receiver configured to receive a downstream information signal from an antenna; and a transmitter configured to transmit the upstream signal request to the antenna, the upstream signal request divided into a series of data packets, and at least one data packet identified by a header section.
 5. The communications system of claim 4, wherein the header section includes:an address for identifying the subscriber unit transmitting the upstream signal request.
 6. A communications system having a headend source of stored information signals coupled to a wideband wireless loop network, the network comprising:a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a subscriber service area including:a communication device configured to communicate with a plurality of subscriber units within a designated subscriber service area; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a segment of the subscriber service area and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antennas corresponding to adjacent segments of the subscriber service area operate in different transmission modes, the plurality of antennas configured in a circular arrangement including:eight directional antennas each defining a 45 degree segment of the coverage area; the plurality of subscriber units, each including:a receiver configured to receive a downstream information signal from an antenna; and a transmitter configured to transmit the upstream signal request to the antenna.
 7. A communications system having a headend source of stored information signals coupled to a wideband wireless loop network, the network comprising:a plurality of cell centers each assigned to a subscriber service area including:a communication device configured to communicate with a plurality of subscriber units within a designated subscriber service area; a plurality of antennas each dedicated to a segment of the subscriber service area and operable to communicate over a common frequency channel, and wherein the antennas corresponding to adjacent segments of the subscriber service area operate in different transmission modes, the plurality of antennas configured in a circular arrangement, the different transmission modes including:a first direction of polarization; and a second direction of polarization orthogonal to the first polarization direction; the plurality of subscriber units, each including:a receiver configured to receive a downstream information signal from an antenna; and a transmitter configured to transmit the upstream signal request to the antenna.
 8. The communications system of claim 7, wherein:the first direction of polarization corresponds to horizontal polarization; and the second direction of polarization corresponds to vertical polarization.
 9. The communications system of claim 7, wherein:the first direction of polarization corresponds to right circular polarization; and the second direction of polarization corresponds to left circular polarization.
 10. In a wide band cellular communication network including a headend device for storing and transmitting a plurality of information signals and a central office for distributing the plurality of information signals to a group of subscriber service areas, a cell center coupled to the central office comprising:a communication device configured to communicate with a plurality of subscriber units in at least one of the subscriber service areas; a plurality of antennas, each providing communication coverage to a segment of at least one of the subscriber service areas, the plurality of antennas configured in a circular arrangement of eight directional antennas each defining a 45 degree segment of the service area; wherein each antenna operating in a transmission format, the format being an orthogonal transmission mode, different than the format for antennas associated with adjacent segments of the at least one of the subscriber service areas; a selection device, responsive to an upstream signal request, configured to couple a subscriber services channel to the antenna servicing the subscriber unit, wherein the subscriber services channel broadcasts a data stream; and a transmitter configured to transmit the data stream to the subscriber unit in a downstream information signal.
 11. In a wide band cellular communication network including a headend device for storing and transmitting a plurality of information signals and a central office for distributing the plurality of information signals to a group of subscriber service areas, a cell center coupled to the central office comprising:a communication device configured to communicate with a plurality of subscriber units in at least one of the subscriber service areas; a plurality of antennas each providing communication coverage to a segment of at least one of the subscriber service areas; wherein each antenna operating in a transmission format different than formats for antennas associated with adjacent segments of the at least one of the subscriber service areas; a selection device, responsive to an upstream signal request, configured to couple a subscriber services channel to the antenna servicing the subscriber unit, the subscriber services channel being a wideband TDM channel that broadcasts a data stream; and a transmitter configured to transmit the data stream to the subscriber unit in a downstream information signal, the downstream information signal divided into a series of data packets and at least one data packet identified by a header section.
 12. The cell center of claim 11, wherein the header information section includes:an address for identifying the subscriber unit to receive the downstream information signal.
 13. In a wide band cellular communication network including a headend device for storing and transmitting a plurality of information signals and a central office for distributing the plurality of information signals to a group of subscriber service areas, a cell center coupled to the central office comprising:a communication device configured to communicate with a plurality of subscriber units in at least one of the subscriber service areas; a plurality of antennas each providing communication coverage to a segment of at least one of the subscriber service areas;wherein each antenna operating in a transmission format different than formats for antennas associated with adjacent segments of the at least one of the subscriber service areas; a selection device, responsive to an upstream signal request divided into a series of data packets and at least one data packet identified by a header section, configured to couple a subscriber services channel to the antenna servicing the subscriber unit, wherein the subscriber services channel broadcasts a data stream; and a transmitter configured to transmit the data stream to the subscriber unit in a downstream information signal.
 14. The cell center of claim 13, wherein the header information section includes:an address for identifying the subscriber unit transmitting the upstream signal request.
 15. A subscriber unit residing in a subscriber service area of a wide band cellular communication system including a plurality of cell centers for distributing a plurality of subscriber services, each subscriber service area serviced by a cell center, the subscriber unit comprising:a transmitter configured to transmit an upstream signaling request to the cell center serving the subscriber service area, wherein the upstream signaling request is a request for at least one subscriber service; a receiver configured to receive a downstream information signal from the cell center serving the subscriber service area, the downstream information signal divided into a series of data packets, and at least one of the data packets identified by a header section, the downstream information signal including the at least one subscriber service requested by the subscriber unit and the receiver including:means for receiving the series of data packets; and a signal extraction device, coupled to the receiver, configured to extract the at least one subscriber service from the downstream information signal.
 16. The subscriber unit of claim 15, wherein the header information section includes:an address for identifying the subscriber unit to receive the downstream information signal.
 17. The subscriber unit of claim 15, wherein the at least one subscriber service is broadcast on a wideband TDM channel, and wherein the receiver includes:means for receiving the series of data packets over the TDM channel.
 18. The subscriber unit of claim 17, wherein the subscriber service requested is a media information program, and wherein the signal extraction device includes:means for extracting the series of data packets corresponding to the media information program from the downstream information signal; means for decoding the extracted series of data packets; means for assembling the decoded series of data packets to form an audio/visual program; and means for displaying the audio/visual program.
 19. The subscriber unit of claim 15, wherein the upstream signal request is divided into a series of data packets and includes:an address for identifying the subscriber unit transmitting the upstream signal request.
 20. The subscriber unit of claim 19, wherein the transmitter includes:a buffer, responsive to a polling signal, configured to hold the upstream signaling request until requested by the cell center.
 21. The subscriber unit of claim 19, wherein the transmitter includes:means for holding the upstream signaling request until an assigned TDMA timeslot is reached.
 22. In a wideband wireless loop network having a headend source for storing and transmitting information signals coupled to a wideband wireless loop network, the network including a plurality of cell centers each providing service to a number of service areas, a method for providing subscriber services to a number of subscriber units comprising the steps of:initiating an upstream signal request at a subscriber unit located within a service area segment, the upstream signal request includeing a series of data packets and an address for identifying the subscriber unit transmitting the upstream signal request, and the step of initiating includeing the substeps of:combining the address with a service request signal to form the upstream signal request; and storing the upstream signal request in a subscriber unit buffer until a polling message is received from the cell center or an assigned TDMA timeslot occurs; sending the polling message to subscriber units in the service area segment, from a cell center to determine the presence of the upstream signal request wherein the cell center services the service area segment containing the requesting subscriber unit; transmitting, to the cell center, the upstream signal request upon the receipt of the polling message; switching, upon receipt of the upstream signal request, a selection device to a subscriber service channel, wherein the subscriber service channel broadcasts a subscriber service; transmitting the subscriber service, via the selected subscriber service channel, to the requesting subscriber unit in a downstream information signal; and receiving the downstream information signal at the requesting subscriber unit.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the subscriber service channel is a wideband TDM channel, wherein the downstream information signal is divided into a series of data packets and includes: an address for identifying the subscriber unit to receive the downstream information signal, and wherein the step of broadcasting includes the substeps of:identifying the requesting subscriber unit to receive the information program based on the address contained in the upstream signal request; and transmitting the downstream information signal to the requesting subscriber unit via the selected TDM channel, wherein the address of the requesting subscriber unit corresponds to the address in the downstream information signal.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the subscriber service is a media program, and wherein the step of receiving includes the substeps of:receiving the series of data packets via the selected TDM channel; extracting a selection of data packets representing the media program from the downstream information signal; decoding the selected data packets; assembling the selection of data packets to form an audio/visual program; and displaying the audio/visual program.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the subscriber service is located at the central office, and wherein the step of switching includes the substeps of:transmitting the upstream signal request from the cell center to the central office; receiving the upstream signal request at the central office; switching, upon receiving the upstream signal request, a selection device residing at the central office to a subscriber service channel broadcasting the requested subscriber service; and communicating the subscriber service to the cell center via a communication link.
 26. In a wideband communication system, a method for obtaining subscriber services broadcast over a plurality of subscriber service channels comprising the steps of:initiating an upstream signal request at a subscriber unit, wherein the requesting subscriber unit is located within a service area segment; receiving a polling message from a cell center, the cell center servicing the particular service area segment containing the requesting subscriber unit; transmitting, to the cell center, the upstream signal request via an antenna residing at the requesting subscriber unit to the cell center upon the receipt of the polling message, wherein the upstream signal request includes a command for switching a selection device to a subscriber services channel broadcasting a requested subscriber service, the subscriber service being a media program broadcast on a wideband TDM channel; and receiving a downstream information signal from the cell center serving the subscriber service area, wherein the downstream information includes the subscriber service corresponding to the requested subscriber service and the downstream information signal being divided into a series of data packets; and the step of receiving including the substeps of:receiving the series of data packets via the TDM channel; extracting a selection of data packets representing the media program from the downstream information signal; decoding the selection of data packets assembling the decoded data packets to form an audio/visual program; and displaying the audio/visual program.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein at least one of the data packets is identified by a header section, wherein the header section includes an address for identifying the subscriber unit transmitting the upstream signal request, and wherein the step of assembling includes the substep of:assembling the decoded data packets in accordance with information contained in the header section.
 28. In a wideband communication system, a method for obtaining subscriber services broadcast over a plurality of subscriber service channels comprising the steps of:initiating an upstream signal request at a subscriber unit, the upstream signal request includeing a series of data packets, and an address for identifying the subscriber unit transmitting the upstream signal request, the requesting subscriber unit being located within a service area segment and the step of initiating includeing the substeps of:combining the address with a service request signal to form the upstream signal request; and storing the upstream signal request in a buffer until a polling message is received from the cell center; receiving the polling message from a cell center, wherein the cell center services the particular service area segment containing the requesting subscriber unit; transmitting, to the cell center, the upstream signal request via an antenna residing at the requesting subscriber unit upon the receipt of the polling message, wherein the upstream signal request includes a command for switching a selection device to a subscriber services channel broadcasting a requested subscriber service; and receiving a downstream information signal from the cell center serving the subscriber service area, wherein the downstream information signal includes the subscriber service corresponding to the requested subscriber service.
 29. In a wideband cellular communication network including a headend device storing a plurality of information signals and a central office for distributing the plurality of information signals to a group of subscriber service units, a method comprising the steps of:periodically sending a polling message to a subscriber service unit from a cell center coupled to the central office, wherein the cell center services a service area segment containing the subscriber unit; receiving an upstream signal request, divided into a series of data packets and including an address for identifying the subscriber unit sending an upstream signal request, from a subscriber unit including the substep of:receiving the address of the subscriber unit at the cell center; switching, upon receipt of the upstream signal request, a selection device to a subscriber service channel broadcasting subscriber service; and transmitting the subscriber service to the requesting subscriber unit in a downstream information signal.
 30. The method of claim 29, where in the subscriber service channel is a wideband TDM channel, wherein the downstream information signal is divided into a series of data packets, and wherein the step of broadcasting includes the substeps of:identifying the requesting subscriber unit to receive the information program based on a subscriber unit address contained in the upstream signal request; and transmitting the downstream information signal to the requesting subscriber unit via the selected TDM channel, wherein the subscriber unit corresponds to the address in the downstream information signal.
 31. In a wideband cellular communication network including a headend device storing a plurality of information signals and a central office for distributing the plurality of information signals to a group of subscriber service units, a method comprising the steps of:periodically sending a polling message to a subscriber service unit from a cell center coupled to the central office, wherein the cell center services a service area segment containing the subscriber unit; receiving an upstream signal request from a subscriber unit: switching, upon receipt of the upstream signal request, a selection device to a subscriber service channel broadcasting subscriber service stored at the central office, and the step of switching includeing a the additional steps of:transmitting the upstream signal request from the cell center to the central office; receiving the upstream signal request at the central office; switching, upon receiving the upstream signal request, a selection device residing at the central office to a subscriber service channel broadcasting the requested subscriber services; and communicating the subscriber service to the cell center via a communication link; and transmitting the subscriber service to the requesting subscriber unit in a downstream information signal. 